PUSHING The Boat Out For The QE2

GREENOCK Esplanade will be turned into a gala mile of attractions to mark the QE2’s visit to the Clyde in September.

Efforts are also being made to book the Red Arrows flying display team and the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines has confirmed it is available on the day.

Inverclyde councillors on Thursday agreed to spend £40,000 on activities for the cruise ship’s return to Greenock for the 40th anniversary of her launch on 20 September.

A report to a full meeting of the council stated that the Esplanade would be the main focus for activities with the two event areas at Roseneath Street and Johnston Street singled out for use.

Aubrey Fawcett, Inverclyde’s corporate director for regeneration and resources, stated: “Various attractions such as vintage fire appliances and other displays would be brought in to give a mile of points of interest.

“On previous visits this cruise liner has attracted a lot of interest, not just as she arrived and departed, but throughout the day. It is expected that this visit will attract even more attention than previous visits.”

Councillors heard that there was concern about the appearance of the railings at the Esplanade and the impression that would give to the large number of visitors expected from outwith the area.

Council chief executive John Mundell said this had already been looked at and that it would cost £25,000 to fix them. There was, he said, no budget set aside for that work and that it would have to be discussed further.

The QE2 is expected to arrive at 7am and leave around 6pm. Earlier this week it was revealed that the ship will come back to Greenock in October next year for the last time. For more on that, click http://www.inverclydenow.com/news-detail2.asp?ID=3695